Deputy Nursery Manager – Wellingborough, Northamptonshire

Early Years Academy; Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Early Years Academy is recruiting a Deputy Nursery Manager for a nursery in Wellingborough. The role involves supporting daily operations, mentoring staff and upholding high standards of care and safeguarding.

You will work under the Nursery Manager to ensure high-quality early education and a positive learning environment for children. The ideal candidate will bring Level 3+ childcare qualifications, strong EYFS knowledge and proven leadership, with a commitment to safeguarding and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Level 3+ childcare or Early Years qualification required.
• Experience in a nursery or Early Years setting.
• Strong EYFS knowledge and safeguarding practices.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager with day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Lead, supervise and develop the nursery team.
• Maintain high standards of childcare, education and safeguarding.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding

Mentoring staff

Education

Level 3 childcare or Early Years qualification

Job description

DEPUTY NURSERY MANAGER - WELLINGBOROUGH, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

Location: Wellingborough, Northamptonshire

Salary: Competitive – To Be Confirmed

Position: Deputy Nursery Manager / Deputy Early Years Manager

Recruitment Agency: Early Years Academy

DEPUTY NURSERY MANAGER JOB IN WELLINGBOROUGH - EXCITING EARLY YEARS LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Are you an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager, Nursery Room Leader or Senior Early Years Practitioner looking for an exciting new leadership opportunity in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire?

Early Years Academy is recruiting a passionate, motivated and dedicated Deputy Nursery Manager for a nursery in Wellingborough.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Early Years professional who enjoys leading and supporting nursery teams, maintaining high standards of childcare and creating an inspiring environment where children can learn, develop and thrive.

As Deputy Nursery Manager, you will play an important role in supporting the Nursery Manager with the day-to-day operation of the setting, mentoring staff, maintaining safeguarding standards and ensuring the nursery provides high-quality early education.

We are looking for a confident, organised and enthusiastic leader with a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), excellent communication skills and a genuine commitment to children's wellbeing.

Whether you're an established Deputy Nursery Manager seeking a new challenge or an experienced Room Leader ready to progress into nursery management, we would love to hear from you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As Deputy Nursery Manager, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Nursery Manager with the effective day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Assisting with the leadership, supervision and development of the nursery team.
• Maintaining high standards of childcare, education and safeguarding throughout the setting.
• Ensuring practice reflects the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework.
• Supporting staff with curriculum planning, observations, assessments and children's developmental progress.
• Monitoring the quality of teaching, learning and care across nursery rooms.
• Promoting a safe, stimulating, welcoming and inclusive environment for all children.
• Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and encouraging inclusive practice.
• Helping to maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios and effective staff deployment.
• Supporting staff induction, mentoring, supervision and professional development.
• Building positive and professional relationships with parents, carers and external professionals.
• Supporting the implementation of safeguarding, child protection, health and safety and nursery policies.
• Assisting with nursery administration, record-keeping and operational responsibilities.
• Supporting nursery improvement planning and preparation for Ofsted inspections.
• Encouraging positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing and children's independence.
• Helping to resolve day-to-day operational challenges in a calm and professional manner.
• Supporting effective communication between nursery management, practitioners and families.
• Deputising for the Nursery Manager when required and within the responsibilities delegated to the role.
• Promoting a positive working culture based on teamwork, professionalism and continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate should have:

• A recognised Level 3 qualification or above in Childcare or Early Years, suitable for the position.
• Previous experience working within a nursery or Early Years setting.
• Experience in a senior childcare position, such as Deputy Nursery Manager, Room Leader or Senior Early Years Practitioner.
• Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework.
• A good understanding of safeguarding, child protection and safer working practices.
• Experience supporting, mentoring or supervising nursery staff.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of Ofsted expectations and Early Years regulatory requirements.
• Confidence supporting curriculum planning, observations and children's developmental assessments.
• An understanding of inclusive practice and supporting children with SEND.
• The ability to build positive relationships with parents, carers and colleagues.
• A genuine passion for delivering high-quality early education and childcare.
• Previous experience supporting nursery management, staff development, quality improvement or Ofsted inspections would be advantageous.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

We are looking for a Deputy Nursery Manager who is:

• Confident, approachable and professional.
• Passionate about children's learning, development and wellbeing.
• An enthusiastic and supportive leader.
• Organised, reliable and committed.
• Calm and confident when managing challenging situations.
• An excellent communicator with staff, children and families.
• Able to motivate, mentor and develop nursery colleagues.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities to improve nursery practice.
• Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Dedicated to safeguarding and maintaining high standards.
• Flexible, adaptable and solution-focused.
• Motivated to continue developing their Early Years leadership career.

SALARY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Salary to be confirmed with the employer.
Opportunity to develop nursery management and leadership experience.
Opportunity to support and mentor Early Years practitioners.
Opportunity to contribute to nursery improvement and high-quality childcare provision.
Opportunity to strengthen knowledge of nursery operations and regulatory responsibilities.
Scope for continued professional development and future career progression.
Working hours, contract details and additional employment benefits will be confirmed during the recruitment process.

WHY BECOME A DEPUTY NURSERY MANAGER?

Working as a Deputy Nursery Manager is a rewarding opportunity to combine your passion for Early Years education with your leadership and management skills.

You will play an important role in supporting the Nursery Manager, guiding nursery practitioners and helping to create a positive learning environment for children.

As Deputy Nursery Manager, you will contribute to the quality of childcare and education across the setting while developing valuable operational, management and leadership experience.

This role is particularly suitable for experienced Room Leaders and senior childcare professionals who are ready to take the next step in their Early Years careers.

WHY APPLY THROUGH EARLY YEARS ACADEMY?

Early Years Academy specialises in Early Years and Education recruitment, helping qualified childcare professionals find rewarding opportunities with nursery employers.

Our recruitment team supports candidates throughout the recruitment process, including applications, interview arrangements and communication with prospective employers.

We understand the Early Years sector and aim to match candidates with opportunities that suit their qualifications, experience and career aspirations.

Whether you're an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager looking for a new challenge or a Room Leader ready for career progression, Early Years Academy is here to support your next step.

SAFEGUARDING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Early Years Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Appointment will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, right-to-work verification and confirmation of relevant qualifications.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds and are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the recruitment process.